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Concerns from citizens drive the Chambersburg ambulance open forum

By LAUREN CAPPUCCIO

Updated:
06/18/2013 07:25:32 AM EDT

CHAMBERSBURG -- After concerns and inquiries were raised over ambulance service in the borough, the Chambersburg Fire Department and Chambersburg Borough decided to hold a forum Monday evening to discuss and answer questions.

Members from several local townships and members of the community were present, as well as billing specialists.

There was no discussion of billing processes. The conversation centered instead around the idea of a second ambulance being added into rotation and if this will mean increased taxes and hours and what impact it would have on the borough.

Borough Manager Jeffrey Stonehill said that research showed it was cost effective for the second unit. The cost would be a total of $240,000, split over five years at $48,000 per year from Summit Health's Chambersburg Hospital to get the new freightliner ambulance and to help with upkeep and upgrades to the ambulances in the borough.

It would operate most likely during the peak hours of 9 a.m to 6 p.m., said Chambersburg Fire Department Chief William FitzGerald. One of the ambulances is being repaired and a loaner ambulance is in use.

The freightliner ambulance added would be the main vehicle of the fleet, he said.

"This is about the public service we can provide," FitzGerald said, stating that sometimes, they will receive five or six calls at the same time and need to respond to all of them.

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Questions arose in terms of staffing and the impact that the additional units would have on local ambulance services, including West Shore ALS.

"There is more than enough demand," said Stonehill, citing the increasing number of calls. He also clarified that the borough does not offer ALS services.

FitzGerald said that in terms of staffing, one member would receive overtime for working during the peak hours and if two members of the staff were out, a volunteer could work. If this would prove to be ineffective, a staff member may be hired.

Also brought up by members of the community were union negotiations, but officials were unable to comment.

Stonehill and FitzGerald explained that they felt real progress would be made by working with the regional EMS committee, which includes members from Chambersburg.

Randy Negley, a supervisor in Hamilton Township and on the Chambersburg Ambulance Advisory Committee, agrees.

"The problem is much bigger than Chambersburg," Negley said. "You can't do it alone. There is not enough to go around."

Negley, who is a veteran of working in fire/EMS, said he has seen the "drying up" of volunteer departments because of "financial hardship" and that increased taxes do nothing but burden the individuals.

FitzGerald felt the forum went well, but the problem is a "regional" one that needs to be discussed more.

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Lauren Cappuccio can be contacted at lcappuccio@publicopinionnews.com and 262-4754.

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